Red Sox right-hander Clay Buchholz, who hasn't started since June 8 because of a strained right bursa sac (shoulder), is finally set to begin a minor-league rehab assignment. On Sunday, Buchholz will begin his stint when he starts for short-season Lowell, reports MLB.com's Ian Browne. He's slated to throw between 45 and 50 pitches.

As Browne notes, Buchholz, barring setback, should return to the Boston rotation after two minor-league starts, or three starts in the event that one of the Red Sox's affiliates makes the postseason. In either case, Buchholz's workloads will likely be limited for some time.

This season, Buchholz, age 28, has pitched to a 1.71 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 2.79 K/BB ratio across 84 1/3 innings.

Needless to say, if Buchholz can get stretched out and return to form, he'll be a boon to Boston's playoff hopes, should they make it.